James Kochalka was the first Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont. James created the long-running American Elf daily comic. He's the author and illustrator of several popular children's books, including Johnny Boo, Dragon Puncher, and Peanutbutter & Jeremy. James won the Eisner Award in 2012. His titles for adults include The Cute Manifesto and Quit Your Job and Other Stories—also from Alternative Comics.